19457, Parker Ford, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 19457, Parker Ford, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 19457 has some form of health insurance. 23.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 19457 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 22 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 16 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19457. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 23 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,353 health care providers accessible to residents in 19457, Parker Ford, Pennsylvania.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 19457 and Primary Care Availability in Parker Ford**

Analyzing the availability of medical resources, particularly those relevant to Alzheimer's care, in a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will focus on ZIP Code 19457, encompassing Parker Ford, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas, to assess the availability of physicians, especially primary care providers (PCPs), and related resources crucial for Alzheimer's patients and their families. The "Alzheimer's Score" here is a conceptual framework, evaluating several factors that contribute to the quality and accessibility of care.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often lies with the primary care physician. PCPs are typically the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline or exhibiting symptoms suggestive of Alzheimer's disease. They are responsible for initial screenings, referrals to specialists (neurologists, geriatricians), and ongoing management of co-morbidities. The physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 19457 is therefore a critical metric. While precise figures are difficult to obtain publicly due to privacy regulations, publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can offer insights. These sources often provide county-level data, which can then be extrapolated to a ZIP Code level, providing estimates of the number of PCPs per capita. A lower ratio, indicating a greater concentration of PCPs relative to the population, generally suggests better access to primary care.

Assessing the "standout practices" within the region involves identifying those that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care and the management of Alzheimer's disease. This includes practices that have a dedicated geriatrician or neurologist on staff, offer comprehensive cognitive assessments, and provide support services for patients and caregivers. Information on practice specializations can be obtained from insurance provider directories, online physician finders, and patient reviews. Practices with positive reviews, especially those mentioning compassionate care and effective communication, are indicators of quality. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's disease demonstrate a commitment to advancing care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has become increasingly important, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with physicians, remote monitoring of vital signs, and access to educational resources. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves researching the availability of virtual appointments within local practices, the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., medication management, cognitive assessments), and the accessibility of these services to patients in the 19457 ZIP Code. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those with user-friendly platforms and strong technical support, score higher in this area.

Mental health resources are vital for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Alzheimer's disease often leads to behavioral changes, including anxiety, depression, and agitation. Caregivers also experience significant stress and emotional burden. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is therefore essential. This analysis involves assessing the availability of mental health providers in the 19457 ZIP Code, as well as the availability of support groups, counseling services, and respite care programs. Resources like the Alzheimer's Association and local senior centers often provide information on these services. A higher density of mental health providers and readily available support services contribute to a higher Alzheimer's Score.

Primary care availability in Parker Ford, a community within ZIP Code 19457, is a specific focus. Assessing this involves examining the number of PCPs practicing within Parker Ford itself and the proximity of practices in neighboring towns. The geographic distribution of practices, along with the availability of transportation options for patients, is critical. If Parker Ford has a limited number of PCPs, then the availability of PCPs in neighboring towns becomes more significant. The analysis also considers the practices' acceptance of various insurance plans, as this can influence accessibility.

The overall Alzheimer's Score for the 19457 ZIP Code is a composite of these factors. A higher score indicates better access to PCPs, specialists, telemedicine, and mental health resources, and better support for patients and caregivers. The score is not a single number but a holistic assessment of the healthcare landscape. The availability of geriatric specialists and neurologists is particularly important. These specialists are essential for diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease. The presence of memory care clinics or specialized programs within local hospitals or healthcare systems also boosts the score.

The quality of care is not solely determined by the number of providers. The training and experience of the physicians are also crucial. Board certification in geriatrics or neurology is a strong indicator of expertise. The availability of staff trained in dementia care, such as certified dementia practitioners, further enhances the quality of care.

For caregivers, the availability of support services is essential. These include respite care, which provides temporary relief for caregivers, support groups, and educational programs. The Alzheimer's Association and other organizations often provide these services. The presence of these services within the 19457 ZIP Code significantly improves the Alzheimer's Score.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer's Score for the 19457 ZIP Code is a nuanced assessment of healthcare resources, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. The primary care landscape in Parker Ford plays a significant role in the overall score. The goal is to identify areas of strength and weakness to improve the quality of care for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in the 19457 ZIP Code and the availability of physicians and resources, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare providers, allowing for a more in-depth analysis of access and availability.